Thomasine Carter Benton

Thomasine “Tommi” Carter Benton, 78, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and friends on November 18, 2013. Armed with her strong will to live, her unwaivering faith in God, compassionate health care providers and the love of family and friends, Tommi battled cancer with every ounce of her being. Yet, in the moments when she was most physically weak, she was most spiritually strong and her testament of a life well-lived was never over-shadowed by her illness.

Tommi was born in Sampson County on November 19, 1934 to the late Ozzie and Nellie Carter. She was the youngest of fourteen children. Tommi is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Howard Henry Benton, and her loving daughters, Lynn Benton Harvey and her husband, John, of Raleigh and Beverly Lynn Benton of Holly Springs. She is also survived by one brother, G. W. Carter, (Lula Jane) of Sampson County; sister-in-law Patricia Ann Proctor of Morehead City, sister-in-law Mary Elizabeth Benton (Frank) of Jacksonville, Florida and 40 nieces and nephews, numerous great nieces and nephews all of whom loved “Aunt Teeny.” Tommi leaves cherished memories with her extended families and friends.

Tommi was woman of great faith in her Lord and Savior. She was a devoted member of Creedmoor Road Baptist Church where she was active in Sunday School, the Hospitality Committee, the Mission Circle, the Joy Club, child and youth ministries and several other faith- and community-based ministries. She was a good and faithful servant. Tommi was the embodiment of faith, hope and love…the greatest of which was love. Tommi loved deeply, unconditionally and passionately.

Tommi was employed with National School and Industrial Corporation for 30 years and with Apria Home Health Care for 20 years. Her work ethic and desire to serve others made her a tremendous asset to both employers.

A celebration of Tommi’s life will be held on Saturday, November 23, at 11:00 AM at Creedmoor Road Baptist Church, 6001 Creedmoor Road, in Raleigh. Interment will immediately follow at Raleigh Memorial Park. The family will receive guests on Friday, November 22 from 6 – 8 PM at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be provided to Hospice of Wake County or the Creedmoor Road Baptist Church Building fund.